By Sarah Roebuck
SA国际传媒
LANSING, Mich. 鈥� A pair of bills recently signed by Michigan鈥檚 governor aim to address the EMS staffing crisis.
, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on July 23, extended 鈥渢emporary licenses鈥� for EMS providers from 120 days to 1 year, . The updated language on the bills permits the state to issue 1-year temporary licenses to trainees who have completed all requirements except their exams.
鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to work in an ambulance or an emergency room for very long before you see just how devastating staffing shortages can be,鈥� said State Rep. Prestin. 鈥淎llowing trained EMTs and paramedics to continue doing their jobs as they proceed through the licensing process is a common-sense policy change that will have a major impact.鈥�
These bills enable first responders to focus more on serving Michiganders by boosting the daily number of first responders on the streets, .
鈥淭his bill is a step forward in ensuring strong emergency services in every region of our state,鈥� said State Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming). 鈥淲ith this bill becoming law, our hometowns will be able to better recruit and train our emergency medical professionals. This bipartisan effort is a commitment to strengthening our public safety and health.鈥�
